Cacabelos to Casa Susi, Trabadelo · 18.5 km / 11.5 miles
From Cacabelos the road ran on through the last vineyards of the Bierzo to Villafranca del Bierzo. At the Church of Santiago we stood before the Puerta del Perdón, the Door of Forgiveness. Since the 12th century, pilgrims too ill or too worn out to go on to Santiago could pass through this door and receive the Jubilee graces. It opens only in Holy Years, and 2027 is one. From Villafranca we followed the river up the narrowing Valcarce valley to Trabadelo, to a quiet room and a shared table at Casa Susi.
“Let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our mind may be in harmony with our voice.”
The Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 19
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8
Saint Benedict asked his monks to sing so that the heart meant what the voice said. On the Camino, the sacred often reaches us through the senses first: a song, a meal, a table shared with strangers. Between the meal and the monks’ chant, which reaches you more? And what does that tell you about how you meet God: through your senses, in the company of others, or alone?
Walk the whole road with us
This is Day 6 of the Camino Eclipse Diaries: sixteen days and about 257 km / 160 miles on the Camino Francés from León to Santiago. A new day comes out every Thursday and Sunday on our YouTube channel, our Facebook Page and Instagram. Missed the start? Watch Day 0: a total eclipse over León, Day 1: Listening, Day 2: There Is No Hurry, Day 3: Up into the Mountains, Day 4: The Cruz de Ferro and Day 5: Templars and Vineyards.
Walk with us in 2027
Angela and I will host a small group from Porto to Santiago on the Camino Portugués, 4–20 April 2027, in a Holy Year. Only 10 places remain. Come to a free Zoom information evening at 7:00 pm Mountain on Wednesday 18 November, 16 December or 20 January. Read about the 2027 Camino Portugués.
Buen Camino,
James M. Gehrke, MS, DMin, and Angela Gehrke, your hosts
